BRITONS feeling the chill as Arctic blasts sweep across the UK are waiting for news of fresh snowfall with dread as the nation grinds to a standstill. But will it snow tomorrow?

The Met Office has warned of a band of “lively” weather barrelling in from Ireland that could lead to snowfall cross North England, North Wales and parts of the Midlands this evening.

Met Office meteorologist, Alex Deakin said the wintry front has the potential for even more rain and some snow today, however temperatures are considerably higher than on Tuesday evening, although it will feel wintry and there is a continued risk of ice.

Northern Ireland, western England and Wales will experience wet weather today and the rest of the country will experience rainfall as a band of rain pushes from west to east.

However later on the showers will turn wintry over Scotland and Northern Ireland, with sleet and snow in place.

The meterologist said: "As we go through this evening, we need to watch this band of wet weather pushing in across Northern Ireland into parts of Wales, and south-west England.

"Now this again will have some heavy downpours and yes some sleet and snow. Chiefly over the hills but down to lower levels through this evening over parts of the Midlands and across northern England. This can cause a few problems through this evening's rush hour - more sleet and snow.

"Further snow, rain could be heavy and they'll be a gusty winds as that band of wet weather pushes into during this evening and again more wintry showers will follow on with a bit more sleet and snow on low levels across parts of western Scotland."

Hundreds of schools have been closed, flights cancelled and delayed and commuters have faced rush hour travel chaos across the country as the snow and ice creates treacherous conditions.

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A thick cover of frosty snow blanketed the UK on Sunday with up to 12 inches (30cm) of the white stuff reported in Wales.

Warmer day temperatures in parts of the country quickly turned the idyllic snowfall into soggy mush, but harsh temperatures overnight led to another hazard – ice.

Temperatures plummeted overnight on Tuesday as low as -13°C in Shawbury, Shropshire, making it officially the coldest night on record this year.

Public Health England has extended its cold weather health warning until Thursday, urging the elderly and vulnerable to wrap up tight and stay warm.

AFP/GETTY•MET OFFICE

Snow forecast: A band of rainy weather from Ireland could lead to sporadic snowfall on Wednesday

But the good news is the sporadic Arctic blasts are unlikely to lead to serious snowfall further.

Mr Deakin said today: “The weather’s still got a wintry element to it, and there’s still a potential for problems – particularly tonight with ice.

“We’ve got some wet weather working its way in as rain, sleet and some snow hits the cold surfaces with temperatures still around freezing this evening, in many towns and cities, and then there’s the real potential for things to get really slippery out there.”

The expected snow will only affect the hills in parts of Scotland, he said, adding some snowfall could reach parts of northern England.

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Snow UK: The Met Office expects some snowfall over the hills in the north of England and Scotland

Most places should instead expect to be lashed with rain on Tuesday evening, followed by more showers by dawn, which will lead to slippery mornings.

The weather’s still got a wintry element to it, and there’s still a potential for problems – particularly tonight with ice

Alex Deakin, Met Office

The meteorologist said of Wednesday: “Overall a slightly milder start. A bit grey in East Anglia early on but much of Eastern England will have morning sunshine.

“Basically it is a day of showers getting blown across the UK. Some heavy ones too, turning wintry through the day.

“Snow again mostly over the hills across north, but we could see some down to lower levels, especially over western Scotland.”

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On the long-term forecast track, the lack of freezing temperatures is expected to keep the risk of snow relatively low.

The main risk continues to be ice. The combination of rainy bands and chilly nights, will leave roads and pavements hazardous in the mornings.

The Met Office said: “Sunny spells and blustery showers on Thursday, wintry in places. Colder on Friday and Saturday although showers becoming confined to windward coasts. Frosty overnight with a risk of ice.